Senior Postdoctoral Researcher: Centre for Eudaimonia & Human Flourishing (CEHF)

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Psychiatry is based on the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford – a friendly, welcoming place of work with an international reputation for excellence. The Department has a substantial research programme, with major funding from Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and provides highly rated medical training in psychiatry.  The Head of Department is Professor Belinda Lennox.  

The Centre for Eudaimonia & Human Flourishing (CEHF), led by Professor Morten Kringelbach, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join its interdisciplinary contemplative science research programme.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

•               An excellent contributory pension scheme 

•               38 days annual leave 

•               A comprehensive range of childcare services 

•               Family leave schemes 

•               Cycle loan scheme 

•               Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans 

•               Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs  

The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis, minimum on site working 2.5 days.

About the Role

The post is funded for 5 years and is based in the Centre for Eudaimonia & Human Flourishing, Stoke House, Oxford, OX3 9BX.

You will lead a programme of research in the foundations of AI alignment for human flourishing.You will manage and monitor research resources and budgets.You will develop ideas for generating research income and promoting the research area and write funding applications for specific avenues of independent research. You will provide academic supervision for students, line-manage Research Assistants and D.Phil. students, mentor on methods, analysis and career development 

About You

You will hold a Ph.D/D.Phil in a quantitative or theoretical discipline (e.g. machine learning, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, theoretical neuroscience or a closely related field) with significant post-qualification research experience. You will experience connecting theoretical work to questions of AI safety, interpretability, or alignment. You will have an established international reputation and publication record. Strong scientific-programming proficiency for implementing computational models, simulations, and numerical experiments is desirable.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Please see the University pages on the application process at  

The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday on 24 September 2026.